Benefits - Geppert Holistic Healing

About Traditional Chinese Medicine

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been a mainstay of health and wellness for one of the largest populations on the planet. TCM theory stretches back to the feudal dynasties of ancient China. Scholars, healers, and sages created a vast and artful understanding of the body’s inner workings as a complete and dynamic energetic system rather than just collection of organs and tissues. They viewed the mind and the spirit as essential to health as the physical body, and saw the intrinsic connection between them. They created, in essence, the first holistic system of medicine.

This time honored holistic healing method has not only survived; but has grown and adapted with the times. While still drawing on the ancient ways, TCM has also grown to embrace modern scientific medicine as well. As more and more research is being conducted and our knowledge of the body and mind grows, it is becoming clear that TCM is not just quaint folk medicine; but a powerful force in the modern health community.

The basic premise of this complex system of healing could be described as balancing and regulating the flow of the essential components of the body. Whether you speak of blood and fluids, or that vital energy (Qi – pronounced “chee”) that enervates it all, TCM is about establishing and maintaining right relationship both within and without the individual. In ancient times they spoke in metaphor relating to the natural world, while now science has given us a much more detailed view of the body. Interestingly, both languages seem to be saying the same thing – without proper balance, life cannot flourish.

While acupuncture is usually the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning Traditional Chinese Medicine; TCM encompasses many modalities such as fire cupping (suction therapy), guasha (dermal abrasion), moxabustion (herbal heat therapy), formulaic herbal medicine, Tui Na (medical massage and bodywork), and Qigong (meditative energy work). Each of these processes add dimension and value to the system, allowing the TCM practitioner to address a wide variety of conditions and complaints in a natural way.